What Should You Look for When Comparing Flight Schools?

I’m researching several flight schools and trying to decide which one would be the best fit. Besides cost, what factors made the biggest difference for you—aircraft availability, instructor quality, scheduling flexibility, or training structure? What questions should every prospective student ask before enrolling?

I came across this discussion and wanted to add that talking to recent alumni from the schools you’re considering can give you insights into their experiences. They can share firsthand accounts of how the training prepared them for real-world flying. Also, dropping by the school for a quick tour can help you gauge the atmosphere and staff interactions. What have you found out in your research so far?